MR. HUGHES & MR FOSTER.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1928, 10 December 1913, Page 6

MR. HUGHES & MR FOSTER.

WHAT IS A UNIONIST?

STATUS OF ARBITRATIONS,

SITUATION EASIER.

By Telcsroph-Prcss Association-ConyriKht Sydney, December 9. Mr. Hughes says the action of tho wharf labourers and tho Newcastlocrane men is gratifying, and' constitutes a recognition of tho fact that only strict adherence to the policy of the conference by unionists would mako it possible to avoid a greater industrial upheaval, and gave every hope of a settlement of the dispute. Mr. Hughes says the general position is easier. Tho dispute is now confined to comparatively narrow limits winch the policy of conference contemplated. He suggests that if the partics will not come together voluntarily tho law should not stand by supinely in tho crisis doing nothing. Tho Commonwealth Act provides first for'a compulsory conference, then compulsory settlement. If the New Zealand Act des this, then its aid ought to bo invokedif not, then the Legislature ought to mako immediate provision for it. Commenting on Mr. W. E. Foster's statement that tho men working on the New Zealand wharves are registered under tho Arbitration Act, Mr. W M Hughes says:—"lf he will pardon mo for saying so, ho scorns utterly unable to understand what unionism is. Registration under the Arbitration Act doesn't make a unionist; it affects the legal status of unionists, but a man has to bo a unionist first, independent of the Act. That being so, the men now handling cargo on the wharves aro not in our opinion, unionists at all. There is the- dispute in a nutshell. The employers regard Arbitration unionists 'as i tho men who oufrht. to do the work; we consider tho Watersido Workers' Federation • members ought to do it. That, among other things, is the dispute, which we ask to be- submitted to arbitration. Wo won't'take Mr. Foster's decision as to who ought to do work as final, but will tako the arbitrator's decision."

Tho "Sydney Morning Herald" comments with satisfaction on the fact that tho decision of Unionists' Conference in confining the boycott to boats actually .trading to New Zealand carried the day. Tho dispute, the "Herald" says, is by no means over, but the circle* of its influence has been narrowed, which not only brings the possibility of 'settlement nearer, but nuts an end to dangerous possibilities.

FINANCIAL HELP. Sydney, December 9. It is reported that financial help for New Zealand is. being freely received from unions throughout Australia. MANUKA LEAVES ON SATURDAY.. Sydney, December 9. Tho Manuka sails for Wellington nest Saturday. Tho Maheno arrived at 8 o'clock this morning from Auckland. (Rcc. December 9, 8,20 p.m.) Sydney, December 9. Twenty-seven of the crow of tho Tofua liavo been charged with desertion, and remanded on bail till Thursday. Tho defending counsel is hoping that, tho difficulty will bo settled. In tho meantime tho men will return to tho vessel.

(Rcc. December 9, 10.25 p.m.) Sydney, December fl. In view of tho fact that tho Tof'.la left Auckland before tho trouble commenced, the combined Trades Unions Conference has decided to provido a crow to take her back to Auckland.